Does a good pool cue matter?

By rule, a strong and sturdy cue will deliver a better stroke and allow for better control of the cue ball. A really good leather tip will also contribute to the ability to use “English” for control over the cue ball. Yes, the finest cues are made with the finest materials.

Does an expensive pool cue make a difference?

Expensive cues can be worth it to some, and not worth it to others. It really depends on the player and what they value most in a cue. If you've tried all kinds of different cues, there has likely been a time when you had more success with a cheaper cue.

What makes for a good pool cue?

How much should you spend on a pool cue?

Most of that is for looks and makes the cue much more expensive than what you would need just beginning. So to answer your question: the sky's the limit, however, for someone just starting out a good price range is between $100-$150. Pool cues are made up of two main pieces: the butt and the shaft.

Does a pool stick matter?

If you just started playing billiards or have been considering starting, it is important to know how to choose the right cue stick. You may not realize just how much using the wrong cue stick can affect your play, but once you begin using the right stick, you'll be shocked at how much your game improves.

Pool Cue Comparison

Is it better to have a lighter or heavier pool cue?

In general, a lighter cue will allow more control over finesse shots, and a heavier cue will allow more cue ball (CB) speed with less apparent stroke effort. A heavier cue might also be easier for some people to keep on line during the stroke, but this is a very individual thing.

Is there a difference in pool sticks?

There are many different types pool cue available, and they all differ depending on what game you are playing. The most common differences are the width of the cue's tip, what the ring that reinforces the tip (called the ferrule) is made of and the kind of wood the cue is made from.

What is the most popular pool cue weight?

What is the Most Common Pool Cue Stick Weight? Majority of cue sticks measure around 59 inches and their weight ranges between 17 and 21 ounces. 19-ounce cue sticks are the most common.

How often should you chalk your cue?

How Often Should You Chalk Your Cue? Some players find success re-chalking after every other shot, but others prefer to re-chalk before each shot they take. You can chalk your cue more sparingly if you want, but if you need to take a shot with some spin, it's a good idea to apply some chalk.

What size pool cue is best?

If you are mostly playing an eight-ball pool game, the stick you would generally use is about 1.39 to 1.44 metres or 55-57 inches. Some manufacturers provide up to 58 inches. Professional players opt for between 56 and 57-inch cues because they believe these are the perfect sizes for the cue ball.

What are cheap pool cues made of?

Materials and design

Good quality pool cues are customarily made from straight-grained hard rock maple wood, especially the shaft. Snooker cues, by contrast, are almost always made of ash wood, although one might come across one with a maple shaft. Maple is stiffer than ash, and cheaper.

Who has the best pool cue?

Is a nickel or dime cue tip better?

– Nickel or dime radius only makes a difference on very small diameter tips. – On very small tips it's better to have a dime radius than a nickel radius. from Patrick Johnson (in AZB post): To avoid hitting on a tip's edge, it should be shaped to a curvature radius less than its width.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive pool cue?

There is a big difference in the manufacture process. Making a Hand-spliced cue is a longer process and often involves extra splicing and includes more exotic woods. The cheapest cues that many suppliers sell are not spliced at all and are in fact painted to look like they are spliced.

Is a one piece or two piece pool cue better?

Many players trust one-piece snooker cues over their two and three-piece counterparts because they prefer the sturdy feel of one continuous piece of wood as they hit the balls on the table. This comes down to the feel of the snooker cue as you play and it is all dependent on your preference as a competitor.

Are pool cues better with wood or carbon fiber?

Compared to wood and other materials, a carbon fiber shaft can last a lot longer. You won't have to worry about dents or scratches. It is also less prone to reacting to atmospheric changes, whereas a wooden shaft can shrink and expand due to temperature or humidity. A carbon fiber cue shaft is easy to maintain too.

Should you break with your playing cue?

It is best to use a dedicated break cue, which is beefier and has a hard tip (usually phenolic). Power breaking with your normal playing cue can cause damage over time, and it will flatten the tip.

Does chalk actually help in pool?

Chalk lets you add friction to the cue tip, which allows you to make a shot, rather than have the cue slipping off the ball prematurely. Your pool cue tip will come in great condition to play, but over time, it will get worn down, which is why having solid chalk is key to staying on top of your game.

Should you clean the cue ball?

The frequency of cleaning will vary depending on how often you play pool. For example, if you play one game once a week, you only need to clean the pool balls every other month. However, you should clean the balls monthly if you play two to three times a week or play three or more games weekly.

Is heavier cue stick better?

A heavier cue will tend to create more CB speed for a given stroke effort. A heavier cue might also be easier for some to keep on line during the stroke, but this is a very individual thing. More weight can also help prevent stroke deceleration.

What is the most used cue tip?

Medium-hard tips

This is the most common cue tip, and it gives players a good balance of cue ball control and consistency. Medium-hard tips also require less maintenance than soft tips. Most beginning and intermediate players will benefit from the medium-hard tip.

How do I choose a billiard cue?

That's why choosing the right pool cue tip is essential for your game. Soft tips tend to wear out quicker, but they are perfect for spin shots. Hard tips last much longer but don't work as well if you love adding some spin to your shots. Medium tips are more standard for most standard pool cues.

Which cue stick is better?

Soft pool cues:

These are arguably the best pro pool cues, even though they are quite high-maintenance. The cue tip on these sticks are extremely soft therefore they tend to absorb and transfer more energy to the cue ball. A soft pool cue makes it easier to hit the cue ball with maximum accuracy.

What weight pool cue do professionals use?

What is the standard cue weight? A: The pros use cues which weigh 19 to 19.5 ounces. Available pool sticks range from a low of about 15 to as much as 27 ounces, an extra half-pound over the pro cue.